Geo TV rapped by Ofcom for diabetes “advice”

Geo TV has been rapped by Ofcom for featuring advice on diabetes, which the UK regular deemed to be potentially harmful for viewers.

Ofcom outlined its concerns about an astrology section in programme ‘Subh-e-Pakistan’ on 19th June at 10:00, where a ten minute segment included a discussion with a man, Ali Muhammed, who introduced and referred to himself as a ���gemmologist�۝ in the programme. The discussion focused on diamonds. It covered: the astrological significance of diamonds ���considered [to be] lucky stones�۝; a historical summary about prestigious diamonds such as the Koh-i-Noor diamond; and an explanation on the ���power that Allah has imbued�۝ in diamonds.

Ali then went on to say, “There�۪s nothing intrinsic in the diamond stone itself, it�۪s the power that Allah has imbued in the stone. For instance, like fire has the power to burn. So, by wearing diamonds it gives a person a certain gravitas, and it also increases your wealth, and intellectual capacity. Also, and I speak from my own personal experience, is the issue of diabetes. If a person wears a diamond their diabetes can be controlled, and I have 10 years personal experience in this regard�۝.

Geo TV responded to Ofcom by arguing that the ���segment complained of was not medical advice�۝. It said that Ali Muhammed ���did not say that diamonds could cure diabetes [and] clearly [said] it can be controlled�۝. Geo TV added it would place an on screen ticker during the morning show for two days stating that ���the content [broadcast on 19 June 2015] was not intended to be and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment�۝ and to ���[a]lways seek medical advice from your doctor regarding a medical condition�۝.

Ofcom concluded that this material had the potential to cause harm to the audience. Ofcom held a meeting with Geo TV to discuss the breach. In the meeting, Geo TV outlined various steps it was taking to improve its compliance with Rule 2.1 in the future. These included: providing both more and appropriate warnings for viewers before and during programmes; reviewing episodes of this programme more rigorously; and, being more aware of the need to edit out unsuitable content.

Ofcom said it was putting Geo TV on notice that any further breaches of this rule may result in further regulatory action.

Updated: 24th November 2015

Note: BizAsia apologises for the typo with Geo News incorrectly mentioned in the previous update of the story when it should have read Geo TV.